I’m a Colorado Native who grew up in Superior/Louisville. I went to Monarch High School and furthered my education at the University of Kansas where I graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work and a minor in Business. Following graduation, I was eager to find a job where I could make a difference in the lives of others. Fortunately, upon moving back to Colorado, I landed a position at FRIENDS as a Direct Support Professional in their Day Program. After close to two wonderful years at FRIENDS, my now wife Laura and I decided to move to San Diego. We enjoyed a couple of great years there, but I knew Colorado was home, so we made our way back to 300 days of sunshine.
My dream has always been to work in fundraising, as I grew up watching my mom impact the lives of so many through her fundraising efforts for a handful of amazing non-profits. So, when we decided to move back, I knew it was time to pursue my dream. Thankfully, Gina Coufal, Founder and CEO of FRIENDS, gave me that opportunity. She hired me as the Office Manager/Development Assistant. I’m now going on my 7th year at FRIENDS and I’m proud to work solely in fundraising alongside Natalie and Gina as the Development Officer.
My wife and I welcomed our baby boy Sonny into the world a year ago and we couldn’t be more excited!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Laura and I have been married for five years and we have a golden retriever named Maple and a one-year-old son named Sonny.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love the opportunity to connect with others and show them just how amazing FRIENDS is so they too can feel the same joy that I and our FRIENDS’ participants do daily. I also enjoy working so close to the mission, allowing me to spend time with the participants daily and see first-hand the impact our programs have on them.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sushi Rama, Teocalli, Original Pizza, Parma, The Mighty Colorado Burger
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked in the Broomfield community for seven years now.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most influential person I have met in the Broomfield Community is Gina Coufal. When her son was in middle school, she dreamt of a place her son and his friends could go following high school as there were no service providers for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Seeing this need and being the rockstar of a mother she is, she decided to start FRIENDS. Fast Forward 25 years later and FRIENDS is now serving Josh and 230+ of his Friends. She is providing them with the opportunity to foster independence, work & travel, live independently, and most importantly have fulfilling and meaningful lives. It has been an honor to play a part in her dream.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My all-time favorite Movie is “Dumb & Dumber,” so much so that I opened my wedding vows with the quote, “What are the odds of a girl like me with a guy like you?”. My favorite TV show, as of late, is “Ted Lasso.” As a recent Dad, I aspire to be as witty as Ted and I love how the show shines a light on a lot of taboo subjects.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Original Pizza. In middle school and high school, I used to go there regularly with my friend Michael and his parents, who were friends of the owner, Ralph. Not only is the pizza amazing, but when you order from Ralph you get the full New York experience.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Lebron James. Whether you love him or hate him on the court, you must respect what he has done off the court for others. My personal favorite is the I Promise school that he started in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. I’d take him Teocalli or another local taco joint as he is a big fan of Tacooooo Tuesday!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how compassionate and supportive our community is towards our local non-profits.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see my family growing from four to five, Maple included, and I see myself still working at FRIENDS or doing something with the IDD community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Can’t think of anything. I’m an open book.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wife! She’s a total bad ass who is killing the mom and corporate game.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My friends and family. I have a very tight-knit family who wants nothing more than the best for each other and supports one another’s hopes and dreams.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Food, Dog